The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, is urging local residents, farmers, and community groups to have their say as part of the current public consultation on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“This is a real opportunity for our communities to have their voices heard on decisions that affect the future of our region,” Ms Benham said.
“Water security continues to be a major issue across Northern Victoria. Our irrigation networks are the lifeblood of the agricultural sector. Farmers continue to face uncertainty around water availability, pricing, and policy settings. It’s critical that any future decisions reflect the needs of regional communities.”
The consultation, open until Friday 1 May 2026, invites feedback on the Discussion Paper, including key challenges, proposed options, and local priorities for managing the Basin. Community members are encouraged to:
- Read the Discussion Paper and supporting materials
- Consider the issues and identify local priorities
- Lodge a submission online, by email, or via post
“Our region is one of Australia’s proudest and most well-known food-producing regions, feeding the nation and producing exports for the world. Our agricultural sector must be protected, supported, and planned for, and this review is a chance to make sure our local priorities are heard,” Ms Benham said.
“Anyone with an interest in the health of our waterways, agriculture, or regional communities should take part in this important consultation.”
